Leopard Gecko toe shedding problem?

[gizmo143]

I was holding my 2 1/2 yr. old leopard gecko and i noticed on his toes, there were toenails missing and had scabs. he just recovered from a bad eye infection and shed once during that time period. I think there was skin stuck on the end of his toes that i didn't notice. i don't think it's still there because i've now been checking him more and more frequently. I feel terrible and don't want him to lose any toes! i've been misting his tank and i think thats been helping. i tried a humid hide but he completely ignored it. Any help is extremely appreciated!

 

[IslaReina]

What kind of substrate are you using? He could have gotten his toenails caught on something. Also, you should keep a humid hide in his cage at all times. Even if you don't see them use it, they probably are, so leave it in there to help with shedding

 

[gizmo143]

right now i'm using repile carpet. how should I make a humid hide and what substrate should I use? he just shed again, and i've been helping him with the skin on his toes but there might be some in his eye to. I just got rid of a major bacterial infection in his eye and I don't want a repeat. any suggestions?

 

[IslaReina]

I have never used reptile carpet, but maybe it accidentally ripped his toenail off. For a humid hide, you can pretty much use anything like a glad/tupperware container with a hole cut into the lid. I have found that a hole in the lid as opposed to the side, keeps moisture in better. I use reptile moss in mine, but I believe some breeders use vermiculite or even wet paper towels. The paper towels will need to be sprayed with water more often to keep them moist but not dripping or sopping wet. This will definitely help him shed.

 

[moridin]

I have one leo who refuses to shed toes for whatever reason. He lost a bunch until I figured out that I needed to help him with this problem. What I do is give him a good 10 minute soak in warm water (I use my wife's pie plates, but don't tell her). They don't like that, but it makes my life so much easier. Then I just hold them in my hand and pick VERY CAREFULLY with a tweezer to take off the extra toe shed. Usually they pull off like socks. Takes maybe fifteen to twenty minutes when you get good at it.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I have one leo who refuses to shed toes for whatever reason. He lost a bunch until I figured out that I needed to help him with this problem. What I do is give him a good 10 minute soak in warm water (I use my wife's pie plates, but don't tell her). They don't like that, but it makes my life so much easier. Then I just hold them in my hand and pick VERY CAREFULLY with a tweezer to take off the extra toe shed. Usually they pull off like socks. Takes maybe fifteen to twenty minutes when you get good at it.

Thanks for this important share. Sometimes you just gotta help these guys out a little!

 

[gizmo143]

I called my vet and the vet tech said a soak in warm water could help. i tried it and at first he hated it but after a minute of two he layed down and seemed to enjoy it! after, the skin came right off. he still seems to have a bit in his eye so i'm now working on that.:roll:

 

[gizmo143]

Any suggestions for the eye because i don't want another infection (it's not easy to get antibiotics in a gecko:?)

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

How about frequent warm, wet compresses held gently over the affected eye?

 

[gizmo143]

:idea:Thanks I'll try that